Context~

March 23, 2020

During this time of crisis in our world I hear many people saying, while joined on the internet or social media, “wherever two or three are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).  As all scripture, we must look at context.  This scripture is preceded by going to your brother when he sins against you. I see verse 20 as a result of following what is instructed in going to your brother for reconciliation.  While I don’t disagree that God is in the midst of two or three, the idea that He is only there when there are two or three is not sound.  The Bible tells us “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6).  Go into your closet… alone.  God is with us, and God hears us if we are alone talking to Him, and when we are gathered talking to Him.  Jesus Himself went off by Himself to pray (Matthew 14:23). 

Hebrews 13: 5 says God will never leave you nor forsake you.  I think it is important for everyone to know during this time that what Jesus did on the cross gives us access to the Father, and that He wants to hear from us whether we are alone or gathered in a group.  Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)!  Let us cling to the hope we have in Him during this time and share with others so that they can be freed and have access to the Father!  

Our daily time with the Lord is just for Him and us.  Let us share the hope we have and the encouragement that it is found in the awesome privilege it is to be able to go to our Lord in prayer.  Always… but especially in the days like we are currently experiencing.  

Father God, I ask You to continue to reveal Yourself to each of us, and to fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may know you more.  Teach us to pray, and to share our hope with those around us.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Let Go~

Branches with the little leaves hanging on, just let go.  Don’t hold on to what needs to drop.  Release that which has sustained damage done by insects and weather.  What awaits you in just a few short months is so much better than allowing the damaged leaves to stay longer than necessary. Release them and feed on to the nourishment that is within you that will sustain you until new life comes forth.  Just let go.  Allow the decay to fall away so that you are prepared for the fresh new life to come.

Outlook~

February 24, 2020

I drove 885 miles to Florida last week.  When I got out of the car in the driveway of the home I was staying at, I saw 3 areas of concern on my front driver side tire.  I called a friend and asked if he would look at it.  He thought upon looking at it that I needed a new tire.  I was headed to visit family and plans fell through.  On my way back, I saw a Tire Kingdom and a few guys in the shop.  I drove in to ask them their opinion about the tire.  They all said that the tire needed to be replaced.  That tire is much newer than the other three and I was mad.  I thought to myself that I shouldn’t have gone to Florida at all and should have stayed home.  I asked the guys if I was ok to drive on it and they said yes that it would only lose air, but I should be ok.  I went to church on Sunday morning and to visit some friends right after.  I had plans to visit my brother and drove to his house in the late afternoon.  He looked at my tire and asked me if I wanted him to plug it.  I said no, and that I would take it to a garage.  After only a little encouraging, I let him do it.  To both of our surprises, the “nails” that were in my tire were actually only one that had gone in one part and out another.  When he used his pliers to pull them out, they hadn’t gone deep enough to puncture the tire.  We both said it was a good thing that they were in that tire and not one of the others.  I drove for a week in Florida, and another 885 miles back home with absolutely no issues.

I love how God uses things like this to help me see how He sometimes works.   Things happen that I think “That is my best tire, why did it have to be that one?!” but God knows that is exactly the one that needed to take whatever it is.  Perhaps the strongest part is able to take the trial without it hurting too deeply.  God is able to remove the thing that appeared to harm us leaving only minor damage. 

Thank You Lord God for protecting me and using something like this to show me more of who You are.  Thank You for reminding me that while what I see as the worst possible case is actually the best thing that could happen overall.  Thank You for Your sovereignty.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Lead~

I vividly remember watching a man yell at his wife that he was her lord and master, and that she needed to submit to him.  He proclaimed that he had read the Bible several times and that he was head over her and she needed to submit to him, and do what he said.  Clearly he failed to go on and read the rest of the passages in Ephesians 5 that he was to love his wife as Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for her.

Similarly, I have watched leadership lord over those under them.  Domineering over those in their charge, and being poor examples to the flock.  Prior to these verses in 1 Peter 5 that talk about this, Peter exhorts the elders to shepherd the flock of God that is among them, to exercise oversight, not because they must, but willingly, as God would have for them, not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering (bullying) over those in their charge, but being examples to the flock. Encouraging them that when the chief Shepherd appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory.  My responsibility is to submit to the authority over me, clothing myself with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.  We are all to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt us, casting all of our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. We need to be sober-minded and watchful because our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

It sickens me to see people lording over others with no regard to the consequences of their actions...  to themselves, and to those they are lording over (aka bullying).  

Compromising the faith and commands of the Lord to obtain some kind of glory here is not at all what the Scriptures teach.  Wars and fights come from the desires for pleasure that war within.  James tells us that we do not have because we do not ask, or because we ask wrongly to spend it on our own passions.  Friendship with the world is enmity with God.  God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.  At what point do you say enough is enough?  How long do you sit under toxic leadership? 

Lord God, I ask You to intervene and reveal Yourself to leadership who is seeking their own desires above Yours.  Lord, show me where I need to submit, and where I need to stand up for You.  Lead me in Your ways.  Teach me to follow You more closely.  I ask that you make my heart soft for You and strong against the wiles of the devil.  Open blind eyes and infiltrate Your church.  Allow me Lord to fulfill Your calling on my life, to fulfill Your purpose.  May I honor and glorify You and be a light to those around me that they too may glorify You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

For personal reflection:
Are you a leader?  How are you leading?  Parents, what kind of example are you being to your children?  Are you a mentor?  Are the people you are investing in growing, maturing, and developing into good leaders?  Mentoring people on their own?  Pastors, and elders, are you shepherding the flock?  Looking for the best for them? 

Excellence~

I was given gifts from the Lord.  I write, sing, am a sensitive individual (yes, it is a gift), among other things.  I work hard to be the best I can be.  When learning a new song, or practicing one I know, I listen repeatedly, say the lyrics as a prayer, and memorize the words.  My writing is given much thought and prayer before I begin penning it out.  The sensitive part of me values relationships greatly, and I invest my heart deeply.  When I fail, it makes me mad, so I work harder.  I have high expectations of myself.  I strive for excellence, always working to be a little better.  Though I receive compliments at times, and am sometimes judged, I do not work hard, or strive for excellence for the accolade or recognition of others.  Not for man’s praise, but for the glory of Him who gifted me.  “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).  I thank Him for the gifts He has blessed me with and want to use them always for His glory.  His Word tells me to do whatever I do heartily as unto the Lord.  Heartily = wholeheartedly, sincerely, genuinely, profoundly, eagerly, enthusiastically, with eagerness, with enthusiasm, zealously, vigorously, with all one’s heart.  That is how I want to use my gifts!  I write well, I sing well, I care well.  Not for approval or applaud, but to praise the Lord, to worship Him who created me.  To Him who created the universe, calls me by name, loves me, gave His life for me, and uses me to glorify Himself.   “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3: 23-24).

Seasons~

I'm lying in my bed this morning chilled from the cold night air.  I said aloud, "I'm ready for summer!"  Then I thought about it.  How often in life things are colorful, beautiful, and warm, and we just want to stay there as long as we can.  And definitely, let's pass the cold, dark, grey days up!  Who needs them?!

The seasons are all necessary for growth.  During fall, leaves that have been damaged by insects and weather fall to the ground, and the trees and plants rest and live off of stored food until spring during winter.  Spring brings new life to all.  Trees bud, flowers bloom, colors are restored, and the smells of new life are everywhere.  Then Sumner will be here. Bright, warm, and glorious!

During this time of being cold and gloomy, may we reflect on our lives.  Knowing that we need rest, and that Spring awaits us, let us cling to and embrace the Lord, and take this time to shed what life has damaged and live on the stored food of our souls.

Change of Heart~

My mom was recently in the hospital for atrial fibrillation. Her heart was racing at 146 beats per minute.  She took a ride in the ambulance to the hospital to get some help.  In the emergency room a nurse administered some medication and mom waited for it to take effect.  She lay waiting while a few of her friends were there by her side.  In an instant, alarms sounded and freaked her friends out a bit, and in that instant, mom’s heart-rate went from 146 to 70.  Mom felt relief in that moment and knew that her heart had gone back into normal rhythm. 

Your heart can change in a moment!  Never stop praying.  Don’t give up on those you are praying for.  Whether they need to soften their heart to the Lord or open their ears to His call on their life, the change CAN happen.  God is able to accomplish what He desires.  “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever” (Ephesians 3:20-21).  I believe that God has everything planned for our lives as is states in Psalm 139 “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them” (vs16). I don't think He changes His plan, but I also believe that He wants the prayers of His children for all things and that that is a piece of the puzzle of everything planned before we are even substance.  Pray without ceasing. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).  Don’t give up.  Part of the will of God in Christ Jesus for you is praying without ceasing! We pray and trust Him to move in the way He chooses.